MSW Programs in Maryland: Online & Campus
From renowned institutions in bustling urban centers to intimate campuses nestled in suburban communities, Maryland offers various MSW programs tailored to suit a spectrum of career aspirations and academic preferences. Whether one seeks specialization in clinical practice, policy advocacy, or community development, Maryland’s MSW offerings promise a rich tapestry of educational experiences to foster compassionate, competent, and socially conscious professionals. In this article, we delve into the landscape of MSW programs across Maryland, exploring their unique features, program structures, and the opportunities they afford to those eager to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
2025 Best MSW Programs in Maryland
Looking for the best MSW programs in Maryland? counselingpsychology.org has ranked the top options to help you find the right fit. Our list highlights schools with strong curricula, experienced faculty, and good field placement opportunities. We focus on what matters most to students. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, these programs stand out. Check out our rankings to see which schools made the list. Learn more about how we rank programs https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD - Public 4-Year - salisbury.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Salisbury University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program provides a comprehensive, student-centered education preparing advanced practitioners to make meaningful community impacts. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the program offers flexible online and on-campus options with competitive tuition rates. Students can complete the regular curriculum in three years or advanced standing in 17 months, with opportunities for specialized practice in direct intervention and community settings.
- Accredited MSW Program
- Online and On-Campus Options
- 62-Credit Regular Curriculum
- Advanced Standing Available
- $775 per Credit Tuition
- Cohort Model (20 Students)
- Courses in 7-Week Blocks
- Field Education Included
- Multiple State Eligibility
- 3.0 GPA Recommended
- Minimum 24 Liberal Arts Hours
- Advanced Direct Practice Focus
- Good Neighbors Graduate Scholarship
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Salisbury University's Master of Social Work (MSW) prepares passionate professionals to make meaningful community impacts. The innovative, student-centered program offers flexible learning options, including online and regional campus formats. Graduates develop advanced skills in clinical practice, social justice, and community leadership. With accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education, students can choose specializations in Clinical Social Work and Advocacy or Social Change and Leadership. The program supports working professionals through evening and summer courses, providing an affordable, accessible pathway to advanced social work practice.
- Online and regional campus options
- Two specialization tracks available
- CSWE accredited program
- Affordable online MSW
- Evening and summer courses
- Five Maryland campus locations
- Advanced direct practice focus
- Field education placements
- Multiple state program availability
- Hybrid learning format
Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - morgan.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Campus Based - Visit Website
Morgan State University's Master of Social Work program prepares advanced practitioners to excel in urban social work environments. Students develop comprehensive skills in ethical practice, cultural competence, and social justice advocacy. The rigorous curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through 12 credits of supervised internship, equipping graduates to address complex community challenges effectively. Ideal for professionals seeking transformative social work careers, this program offers a robust educational pathway focused on urban populations and systemic change.
- 48 total academic credit hours
- 12 credits supervised internship
- Urban social work focus
- 11 core competency areas
- Comprehensive portfolio requirement
- Aligned with CSWE standards
- Advanced practice preparation
- Emphasis on social justice
- Diverse population engagement
- Ethical decision-making training
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Urban Children, Youth, and Families - Online Learning - Visit Website
Morgan State University's Online Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares compassionate social work practitioners to address complex urban challenges. Designed for both generalist and advanced learners, the program focuses on critical issues like poverty, social injustice, and community well-being. Students can choose specialized tracks in Urban Children, Youth, and Families or Addictions, gaining comprehensive skills to transform urban communities. The flexible online format accommodates working professionals seeking to make meaningful social impact.
- 60-credit standard program
- 30-credit Advanced Standing option
- Urban practice focus
- Two specialized practice areas
- CSWE-accredited curriculum
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Online learning platform
- Advanced Standing for BSW graduates
- Within five years BSW graduation
- No grade lower than B
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Addictions - Online Learning - Visit Website
Morgan State University's Online Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares dedicated social work professionals to address complex urban challenges. With flexible 60-credit hour and 30-credit Advanced Standing options, students can specialize in Urban Children, Youth, and Families or Addictions. The program focuses on systemic interventions for poverty, social injustice, mental health, and community development, particularly serving African American urban populations. Graduates emerge as competent practitioners equipped to create meaningful social change.
- Online and campus-based MSW
- 60-credit and 30-credit options
- Advanced Standing available
- 3.0 GPA required
- CSWE accredited program
- Urban practice focus
- Two practice specializations
- BSW graduates preferred
- Technology requirements exist
- Interview for Advanced Standing
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - umaryland.edu
Master's - MSW
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Maryland School of Social Work offers a comprehensive Master of Social Work (MSW) degree preparing students for impactful careers across diverse social service sectors. With flexible program formats including hybrid and online options, students can complete their degree in 3 years while gaining hands-on field experience. Graduates are equipped to address complex social challenges through clinical practice, macro leadership, and policy development, with exceptional employment prospects and competitive post-graduation salaries.
- Multiple MSW program formats
- Hybrid and online options
- 3-year completion timeline
- In-person field practicum
- Ranked #24 Social Work Program
- Multiple campus locations
- Baltimore and Shady Grove campuses
- Clinical and macro concentrations
- Graduates earn $12,275 above average
- Leadership and policy focus
Master's - MSW
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Maryland School of Social Work offers a comprehensive Master of Social Work (MSW) that prepares students for impactful careers across multiple disciplines. With flexible program formats including hybrid and online options, students can earn their degree in three years. The program offers specialized tracks in clinical and macro social work, equipping graduates with advanced skills in therapeutic services, leadership, policy analysis, and community engagement. Graduates consistently outperform standard college graduates in earning potential and are trained to address complex social challenges.
- Three flexible MSW program formats
- Baltimore and Shady Grove campuses
- Hybrid and online options available
- Ranked #24 Best Social Work School
- Graduates earn $12,275 above average
- Clinical and macro social work tracks
- Comprehensive field practicum experience
- Three-year degree completion possible
- Remote learning with in-person practicum
- Advanced Standing MSW option
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD - Public 4-Year - umgc.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Unlock your potential in social work with UMGC's comprehensive Master of Social Work program. Designed for aspiring professionals, this 62-credit degree equips you with advanced practice skills to empower individuals and drive social change. Delivered entirely online with select hybrid options, the program offers flexibility for working professionals. With a competitive tuition rate of $350 per credit hour and an advanced standing track for BSW graduates, this accredited program provides a robust pathway to making a meaningful impact in community and clinical settings.
- 62 total credit hours
- Online and hybrid courses
- $350 per credit hour
- Advanced standing option
- Accredited by CSWE
- 12 credits field practicum
- Two program tracks
- Full-time completion in 12 sessions
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- Specialized clinical practice focus
MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in Maryland
Maryland Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements
Traditional MSW programs (as opposed to advanced standing MSW programs) are typically reserved for students who don’t have a bachelor’s degree in social work but want to get licensed as a social worker. They typically require 60 credits of studies and a two-year commitment. Here are some admissions requirements you’ll come across in your search:
- Bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related area, from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirement (typically around 3.0)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV outlining relevant experience
- Completion of prerequisite courses (such as psychology, sociology, or human services)
- GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
- Interview (some programs may require an interview as part of the application process)
- Background check and/or fingerprinting
Maryland Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
The main difference between advanced-standing MSW programs and traditional ones is the time it takes to complete. Advanced-standing MSW programs only require a year to complete and a courseload of 35 credits. To qualify, you’ll need a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, a 3.5 (or higher) GPA, and the admissions requirements above. Here are a few advanced standing MSW programs in Maryland:
- University of Maryland – visit site
- Morgan State University – visit site
Maryland MSW Program Tuition and Costs
As you can see in the table below, how much you’ll actually pay for MSW tuition in Maryland will depend on whether you’re a Maryland resident and the quality of education you’ll receive. Many students looking to save money on MSW programs in Maryland will establish residency beforehand or enroll in an online program. You can generally expect to pay between $15,600 and $68,620 for your total MSW tuition in Maryland.
| School | Tuition (per credit hour) | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
| University of Maryland | $525 (Resident) $1,143 (Non-resident) | 60 | $31,500 (Resident) $68,620 (Non-resident) |
| Morgan State University | $260 (Resident) $930 (Non-resident) | 60 | $15,600 (Resident) $55,800 (Non-resident) |
| Salisbury University | $775 (Online) | 62 | $48,050 (Online) |
Are Online MSW Programs in Maryland as Good as Campus-Based?
While the face-to-face interaction of in-person programs is still a big draw for many, the flexibility and convenience of online MSW programs is a significant advantage.
Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in Maryland
| Traditional MSW Programs | Online MSW Programs | |
| Format | In-person classes | Online classes with some in-person requirements |
| Flexibility | Limited scheduling options | More flexibility in scheduling, often part-time options |
| Location | Geographically limited | Accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity |
| Learning Environment | Classroom-based | Virtual classroom, discussion boards, and online resources |
| Networking | Local networking opportunities | Networking with students and professionals from diverse locations |
| Cost | Tuition, commuting, and relocation expenses | Generally lower tuition and flexibility to continue working |
| Hands-on Experience | Field placements and internships | Virtual or field placements and internships arranged in the student's local area |
MSW students looking to get licensed will need to make sure that their program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). If the program is not accredited, they will not be eligible for licensure.
Learn more about Social Work Degree Options:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Graduate Certificate in Social Work
- Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Getting Your Maryland Social Work License
To become licensed in Maryland, you’ll need to make sure you follow the required trajectory. Check out Maryland’s specific social work licensure requirements in our Guide to Social Work Licensing.
Popular Social Work Careers
Discover the specializations available to you within social work. These social work careers can help you work with diverse populations in a variety of environments.
School Social Worker
School social workers provide counseling, support, and advocacy for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop student success strategies, provide crisis intervention, and facilitate support groups.
Healthcare Social Worker
Healthcare social workers assess patients' social, emotional, and practical needs. They provide counseling and support, coordinate care with healthcare providers, advocate for patients' rights, and connect patients and their families with community resources to ensure holistic and comprehensive care.
Court Social Worker
Court social workers assess the needs of individuals involved in court cases. They develop intervention plans, provide counseling and support, monitor progress in court-ordered programs, collaborate with legal professionals, and advocate for clients' best interests in legal proceedings.
List of MSW Degree Programs in Maryland
College Park, MD
University of Maryland-College Park
- Master's - MS, Couple and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Website
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- 45-51 Credit Curriculum
- Two-Year Internship Included
- Fall Semester Admission
- December 1st Application Deadline
- Diverse Populations Focus
- National Licensing Exam Preparation
- Extensive Clinical Training
Emmitsburg, MD
Mount St. Mary's University
- Master's - Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Campus Based - Website
- California Board of Behavioral Science approved
- Three counseling specializations offered
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
- Introductory Psychology prerequisite
- Evidence-based counseling practices
- Culturally competent training approach
- Licensure preparation for MFT/LPCC
